Packaged set of panels

ABSTRACT

Packaged set of panels, such as furniture, floor, ceiling and/or wall panels, consisting of a package, wherein this package is at least composed of, on the one hand, one or more panels, which, at least on one pair of opposite panel edges, comprise coupling parts, or tiles of a stone-like material, whether or not comprising coupling parts, and, on the other hand, a packaging, consisting of one or more packaging parts, wherein the package comprises at least one crumple zone.

This invention relates to a packaged set of panels, more particularly topackaged sets of furniture, floor, ceiling and/or wall panels.

There is a great diversity of materials for furnishing the interior ofhomes or office buildings, more particularly for furnishing floors,walls and/or ceilings. More particularly, for this purpose use is madeof, amongst others, wood, natural stone, ceramic tiles, textile orsynthetic material. Laminate products with possible imitation of thevarious aforementioned materials for furnishing floors, walls andceilings are also possible and moreover have become especially popular.The introduction of innovating mechanically locking coupling systems, asknown from WO 97/47834, for laminate products, with as their biggestadvantage the easy installation, has been and still is a good reason forthe success of these products. Moreover, laminate products are alsoapplied in the furniture industry as an alternative for naturalproducts, such as solid wood or veneer wood. More recently, also newmechanically locking coupling systems are applied for constructingfurniture, as is known, amongst others, from WO 2010/070472.Mechanically locking coupling systems are also applied to solid wood orwood veneer panels. Further, as known from DE 203 10 959 U1, there arepanels which comprise a veneer or wooden top layer having a thicknessbetween 1 and 15 millimeters on top of a substrate composed of lathswhich substantially consist of softwood. There are also panels with atop layer of natural stone, bricks or ceramic material, as known from EP1 441 086 A1 and WO 2010/122514, and this type of panels can be providedwith mechanically locking coupling systems.

In this context, laminate means a product which is composed of differentlayers, wherein these layers consist of, for example, syntheticmaterial, composite, paper or other materials. Mostly, a laminatecomprises a carrier or substrate, such as a High Density Fiberboard(HDF) or a Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF), a printed or coloredcarrier, for example, printed paper, which represents the decor, and atop layer of synthetic material. Sometimes also an underlay is appliedat the bottom side of the carrier. Laminate can be produced according todifferent methods and hereby leads to different types of laminateproducts, such as, for example, High Pressure Laminate (HPL), DirectPressed Laminate (DPL) or Continuous Pressed Laminate (CPL).

In the context of the present invention, panels are mentioned, intendinga variety of panels with decorative surfaces. These panels aresusceptible to damage, in particular during handling, storage andtransport thereof. In particular, damage to the decorative surfaceand/or the panel edges, whether or not provided with mechanicallylocking coupling systems, poses a problem.

At present, packaged sets of panels usually comprise cardboard packages,wherein the package encloses the set of panels like a box and only thevisible side or the decorative side of the panels is left visible, suchas known, amongst others, from WO 2006/103565. The whole of panels andpackage further can be enclosed by a transparent or translucent shrinkfilm, which then also offers a certain protection for the decorativeside. However, this package often turns out as inadequate for protectingthe panels against damage as a result of shocks which possibly occurduring transport, handling and storage of the packaged panels. In case apackaged set of panels falls down, the presently applied types ofpackaging in most cases offer insufficient protection for preventingdamage to the panels. Moreover, for the consumer, when buying such set,it is invisible whether damage has occurred to one or more panels ornot, as this possible damage mostly remains hidden in the package. It isnoted that in particular, however, not exclusively, panels withmechanically locking coupling parts as well as the possible pertainingaccessories are susceptible to damage.

Panels, such as furniture, floor, ceiling and/or wall panels aresusceptible to damage or deformation during transport or during handlingand storage thereof. In particular, however, not exclusively, panelswith mechanically locking coupling systems are susceptible to damage.The packaging of a set of panels thus forms an important challenge, inconsideration of the risk of the above-mentioned possible damage ordeformation. A set of panels consists of one or more panels, which aretaken together for the purpose of a common packaging. Apart from saidpanels, certain other goods, such as some accessories for floor panels,more particularly moldings, have the same problem of the risk of damage.

From DE 20 2004 019 391 U1 and EP 1 712 489 A1, it is known to provide alid which is made in one piece with the package, by which the decorativeside, too, is protected further, for example, against scratches. Suchpackage also offers poor view on possible damages of the packagedpanels.

From DE 10 2006 020 619 A1, it is known to provide an indicator on thepackaged set of panels, or on a pallet with a plurality of such packagedsets, wherein this indicator is able to indicate whether an excessivemechanical stress has taken place, by which a damage may have beenoccurred. In this manner, the seller or the consumer are warned ofpackaged sets of panels which possibly comprise one or more damagedpanels.

From the already mentioned EP 1 712 489 A1, from BE 2010/0380 and fromDE 20 2009 015 737 U1, it is known to include, apart from floor panels,still other goods in such packaged sets, such as skirting boards,underlays or other accessories which can be applied together with thepackaged panels, for example, for preparing the subfloor and/or forfinishing the installed panels. These goods as such are subjected todamage with a possible maltreatment of the packaged sets of panels.

Further, it is important that the package of a set of panels fulfillscertain functional requirements, such as the possible identification ofthe panel type or the appearance of the decorative side of the packagedpanel, or such as the bundling of a certain amount of panels accordingto specific dimensions, such that a packaged set is obtained with apractical sum of the usable surface area. Further, using as littlepackaging material as possible is important for environmental reasons.

According to its different aspects, the present invention aims primarilyat an alternative packaging which, according to preferred embodiments,can offer a solution to one or more problems of the present state of theart.

To this aim, the invention, according to its first aspect, relates to apackaged set of panels, such as furniture, floor, ceiling and/or wallpanels, consisting of a package, wherein this package is at leastcomposed of, on the one hand, one or more panels, which, at least at onepair of opposite panel edges, comprise coupling parts; or tiles of astone-like material, whether or not comprising coupling parts, and, onthe other hand, a package consisting of one more packaging parts, withthe characteristic that the package comprises at least one crumple zone.This crumple zone has the advantage that it offers improved protectionagainst possible damage or deformation to the packaged panels.

It is noted that the aforementioned panels in most cases arerectangular; however, the present invention is in no way restricted torectangular panels only. In general, also panels may be used having ashape according to a regular hexagon, a triangle, a square or any othertype of polygon and thus are intended by the general term of panels.Further, the panels according to the invention comprise coupling partson at least one pair of opposite panel edges.

It is clear that a panel has a front and rear side and moreover ischaracterized by a number of panel edges. In the most common case ofrectangular panels, four panel edges can be identified. Moreparticularly, in the case of rectangular panels, it is referred to twolong panel edges and two short panel edges. Further, in the case ofrectangular or square panels, it is referred to a pair of opposite paneledges.

Said panels can comprise coupling parts on one or more pair of oppositepanel edges. Coupling parts can be brought into each other and allowbringing two of such panels in a coupled condition. Thus, the couplingparts allow a cooperation between different panels.

Further, it is noted that panels can comprise coupling parts ofdifferent nature. For example, the panels can comprise specific couplingparts providing for a horizontal as well as for a vertical locking ofthe panels. The vertical direction is the direction perpendicular to theplane of the panels, and the horizontal direction is the directionperpendicular to the panel edges and in the plane of the panels. Asanother example, panels can comprise coupling parts which only providefor a vertical locking, such as it is the case with panels with a simpletongue and groove connection. In the case of, for example, furniturepanels, by the term “coupling parts” a variety of types of connectionelements has to be understood, amongst which coupling parts in the formof edge profiles, as known, for example, from WO 2010/070472, as well ascoupling parts consisting of pre-assembled elements, such as dowels,so-called Minifix elements, pins and the like. The coupling parts in thecase of furniture panels provide for a locking coupling of two panelsfor forming a corner connection of the piece of furniture. In this case,the coupling parts of the furniture panels provide for a lockingcoupling between the panels. For example, in the case of a typicalright-angled corner connection of two panels, the coupling parts providefor a locking in two orthogonal directions according to the planes ofthe respective panels.

According to the invention, the package of the packaged set of panelsfurther comprises a packaging. This packaging generally consists of oneor two packaging parts. More particularly, this packaging consists offolded parts. The material which primarily comes into consideration forthe packaging is cardboard or corrugated cardboard. However, the presentinvention is in no way limited to cardboard as a packaging material, butalso contemplates possible embodiments wherein other materials, such assynthetic material, styrofoam or even cast or injected thermoplasticmaterials are applied as packaging material.

The particularity of the present invention according to its first aspectconsists in that a packaged set of panels or package is provided,wherein the package comprises at least one crumple zone. This crumplezone has the advantage of offering a better protection against possibledamage or deformation to the packaged panels. Preferably, this relatesto a crumple zone which forms part of a packaging part which is realizedas a cap which is provided over an edge of the set of panels. By “anedge of the set of panels”, a side is meant which is formed by paneledges lying on top of each other. Said crumple zone has the advantage ofoffering a better protection against possible damage or deformation tothe packaged panels.

The present invention shows its benefits best when such crumple zone isapplied along at least one of the panel edges. In this manner, it isobtained that said problem of the risk of damage is reduced. In fact,the panel edges are most susceptible to damage. Preferably, however, notexclusively, the crumple zone is provided along a pair of opposite paneledges comprising coupling parts. This characteristic has the advantagethat it enables an improved protection for the packaged panels and morein particular limits the possible damage to the panel edges.

Preferably, said crumple zone forms part of at least one of saidpackaging parts. The crumple zone preferably forms part of a packagingpart which is situated on the exterior side of the packaged set ofpanels. In other words, the crumple zone is made in one piece with anoutermost part of the package. Herein, a possible film is not taken intoconsideration. Integrating the crumple zone into one of the packagingparts further allows constructing an efficiently packaged set of panelsboth from an economic and ecological point of view. In fact, hereby lessmaterial is used in comparison with a possible embodiment in which thecrumple zone is not integrated into one of the packaging parts, butforms a separate part of the package. According to the presentinvention, said crumple zone possibly can be integrated in a packagingpart which is realized as a cap.

Preferably, said crumple zone is composed of a folded structure. Thispreferred characteristic of the first aspect of the present inventionallows providing a deformable structure in the packaged set of panels,which, with a possible impact as a consequence of, for example, a fall,absorbs at least part of the impact energy by the deformation or by thecrumpling of the folded structure. This folded structure preferably isformed of packaging material, such as, for example, folded cardboard. Inthe case of folded cardboard, by this folded structure a structure ismeant which is formed by folding the cardboard over one or more foldinglines. This cardboard as such can be realized single- or multi-layered.However, by said folded structure by no means the corrugated structureinside multi-layered cardboard is meant, as it is present, for example,in corrugated cardboard. However, the folded structure as such can berealized from corrugated cardboard.

Preferably, the folded structure defines one or more hollow spaces,which may or may not be open towards the outside. The preferredcharacteristic of the first aspect of the present invention allowskeeping a hollow space free within the package, by which the edges ofthe panels are kept at a certain distance from the exterior of thepackage.

Preferably, said folded structure comprises at least a first walldefining a first surface, wherein this surface extends along one of theedges of the panels and wherein said wall comprises one or more wallparts, which are folded, over a folding line, out of said surfacetowards the interior of the package. This preferred characteristic ofthe first aspect of the present invention allows realizing said foldedstructure with as little material as possible. In particular, thischaracteristic further allows offering a solution to said problem of therisk of damage of the packaged panels.

Preferably, said folded structure comprises at least a second wall,which defines a second surface and extends transverse to the first walland in this manner forms an outer corner of the package, wherein bothwalls comprise wall parts which are folded, over a folding line, out ofthe respective surfaces towards the interior of the package and in thismanner form an inner corner. This preferred characteristic of the firstaspect of the present invention allows forming a stop or support surfacefor the edges of the panels, such that the exterior of the packaged setof panels is situated at a certain distance from the edges of thepanels.

Preferably, said wall part of said first wall rests against one of thewalls of the folded structure. This preferred characteristic of thefirst aspect of the present invention allows constructing a more stablefolded structure.

Preferably, said wall part is further secured to the panel by applyingone or more glue connections. This preferred characteristic of the firstaspect of the present invention allows further stabilizing orreinforcing the folded structure.

Preferably, said crumple zone forms part of a packaging part which isrealized as a cap which is provided over an edge of the set of panels.Said cap is characterized by a U-shaped cross-section. Herein, it isnoted that the U-shaped profile does not necessarily have to besymmetrical. Or, in other words, the two legs of the U-shaped profilecan have a different length. This preferred characteristic of the firstaspect of the present invention provides for that the packaged set ofpanels can be provided with a crumple zone by an easily to provide capover an edge of the set of panels.

In the most preferred embodiment of the present invention according toits first aspect, the crumple zone forms part of a packaging part whichis realized as a cap which is provided over the edge of the set ofpanels. In this embodiment, the crumple zone further is constructed of afolded structure which comprises two walls which define two respectivesurfaces. These walls comprise wall parts which are folded, over afolding line, out of the respective surfaces towards the interior of thepackage and in this manner form an inner corner. Herein, said inwardlyfolded wall parts rest against one of the walls of the folded structure.In this most preferred embodiment, these wall parts are secured to thepackage by means of a glue connection.

It is noted that providing such crumple zones is of particular interestwith panels wherein the decorative side thereof extends up to theoutermost edge part.

Further, it is noted that the present invention can be applied topackaged sets of tiles of a stone-like material, whether or not realizedwith coupling parts, more particularly natural stone tiles, ceramictiles, tiles provided with a ceramic top layer, concrete tiles, cementtiles and the like.

According to a second aspect, the invention aims at the packaging ofpanels, wherein the decorative side thereof extends up to the outermostedge part or approximately to the outermost edge part. Such panels arehighly damageable at the height of the edges. Thus, the second aspect ofthe invention aims at a solution for packaging these damageable panelsin an expedient manner. To this aim, the present invention, according toan independent second aspect, relates to another set of panels, such asfurniture, floor, ceiling and/or wall panels, consisting of a package,wherein the package is at least composed of one or more panels, which atleast on one pair of opposite panel edges comprise coupling parts andwherein a decorative side of the panel at least on one panel edgeextends up to the outermost edge part of the panel or alternatively upto a distance of less than 1 millimeter thereof; as well as of apackaging, consisting of one or more packaging parts, with thecharacteristic that the package comprises at least one protection zoneand this protection zone is situated at least along the last-mentionedrespective panel edge of the set of panels. This protection zone has theadvantage that it offers an improved protection against possible damageor deformation to the packaged panels.

By outermost edge part of the panel, the extremity of the panel edge ismeant which is situated most distal, or most outward, in horizontaldirection.

It is important to note that this aspect of the present invention isparticularly interesting for packaging panels which, at least one pairof opposite panel edges, are provided with coupling parts which allow alocking coupling by means of a downward movement of the one panel inrespect to the other, also known by the denomination of “Push-Lock”. Alocking coupling by a downward movement is known, amongst others, fromWO 2009/066153 and is represented in particular in FIG. 25 of saiddocument. Most panels provided with Push-Lock coupling parts arecharacterized, amongst others, in that the decorative side of thesepanels extends up to the outermost edge part, or up to a very smalldistance from the outermost edge part, namely less than 1 millimeter.Panels provided with said Push-Lock coupling parts are characterized bythe problem of the risk of damage, more particularly damage to thedecorative side and to the panel edge with coupling part. Push-Lockcoupling parts typically comprise a small tongue or edge portion, whichpossibly does not protrude much in respect to the decorative side, bywhich, with a possible fall of the panel, this possibly not muchprotruding tongue or edge portion is completely pushed in and in thismanner the decorative side of the panel becomes damaged as well.

Preferably, said protection zone is constructed of one or moredeformable packaging elements and possibly one or more buffer spaces.This preferred characteristic of the second aspect of the presentinvention provides for that the packaged set of panels can be providedwith a protection zone by using a minimum of material for this purpose.

Preferably, said deformable packaging elements are elasticallydeformable. This preferred characteristic of the second aspect of thepresent invention provides for that the packaged set of panels can beprovided with a protection zone by making use of material which has theright features for protecting the packaged panels in case of a possibleimpact of the packaged set of panels as a result of, for example, afall.

It is important to note that the protection zone of the second aspect ofthe present invention can be performed as the crumple zone described bymeans of the first aspect.

According to a third aspect, the invention aims at a packaging which isof interest for a more stable stacking of a plurality of packaged setsof panels.

To this aim, the invention, according to its independent third aspect,relates to a packaged set of panels, such as furniture, floor, ceilingand/or wall panels, consisting of a package, wherein this package is atleast composed of one or more panels, which, at least on one pair ofopposite panel edges, comprise coupling parts; as well as of apackaging, with the characteristic that the packaging consists of atleast two separate folded packaging parts, which substantially extendalong all edges of the set of panels. This aspect of the invention hasthe advantage that the component parts of the packaging can be developedindependently from each other and each part can be optimizedindividually.

According to a preferred embodiment, said packaging consists of at leastfour separate folded parts. Still better, the aforementioned differentfolded parts of the packaging provide for a substantially open front andrear side of the packaged set of panels. This characteristic of theinvention has the advantage that it allows an easy identification of thetype of panel and/or of the appearance of the visible side of thepackaged panels. Moreover, this has the advantage of being able to forma packaging which does not require a lot of packaging material.

Preferably, the packaging provides support surfaces on the front as wellas the rear side of the set of panels on each edge of the packaged setof panels in the plane perpendicular to the stacking direction of thepackaged set of panels. This has the advantage that the packaged sets ofpanels can be stacked better. Further, this characteristic offers theadvantage of offering an increased protection against damage and inparticular against deformation of the panels during handling, transportand/or storage.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the packaging issubstantially employed on each two opposite edges of the set of panelsand preferably as respectively two similar or still better identicalpackaging parts. According to a preferred embodiment, said packagingsubstantially consists of folded cardboard. This allows applying thepackaging in an easy and cost-efficient manner.

According to all aspects of the present invention, said packagingcomprises a film which preferably is transparent or substantiallytransparent. More particularly, a shrink film can be applied, whereinaccording to a particular preferred embodiment a copolymer film isapplied. The inventor has found that applying a copolymer film resultsin an improved stability of a plurality of packaged sets of panelsstacked one upon the other, or, in other words, vertically stacked. Thishas the advantage that packaged sets of panels during transport orhandling will slide less over each other, in horizontal direction, whenthe stack of packaged sets of panels is exposed to accelerating forceswith horizontally directed component, i.e. orthogonal to the stackingdirection, which typically occurs during, for example, transport viatrucks. It is clear that this characteristic of the invention is notrestricted to packaged sets of panels, as described above, but that alsosets of any other type of panels can be packaged in this manner.Applying a transparent film further also has the advantage that itallows an easy identification of the type of panel and/or of theappearance of the visible side of the packaged panels.

According to a fourth aspect, the invention aims at a packaging forpanels which is particularly useful in its use.

To this aim, the invention, according to its independent fourth aspect,relates to a packaged set of panels, such as floor, ceiling and/or wallpanels, consisting of a package, wherein this package is at leastcomposed of two or more panels, which, at least on one pair of oppositepanel edges, comprise coupling parts; as well as of a packaging, withthe characteristic that the sum of the usable surface area of all panelspresent in the package is one square meter, with a margin of less than 5percent, and preferably less than 2 percent and best less than 1percent, wherein this preferably relates to a positive margin.

This fourth aspect has the advantage that the packaged set of panelscorresponds to an easy sum of the useful surface areas of the panels incoupled condition. This has the advantage that consumers easily candetermine the amount of required packaged sets of panels and also caneasily calculate the total price of this amount of packaged sets ofpanels. Mostly, the price of panels in fact is expressed in a price persquare meter.

Instead of being one square meter, the sum of the usable surface areascan also be 10 square feet (or 0.92 square meters), this for thecountries where the British-American metrics are applied.

It is clear that the crumple zone, as in the first aspect of the presentinvention, can also be applied for packaging other goods, such as,amongst others, accessories for floor, ceiling and/or wall panels, ormore particularly moldings, such as, for example, skirting boards.

The first, second, third and/or fourth aspect of the present inventioncan be combined in a single embodiment.

Due to their typical elongated shape and dimensions, moldings areparticularly susceptible to damage, whether or not during transport.Thus, in this context a packaging is desirable which provides additionalprotection. When in particular such moldings are provided with apre-formed miter surface at one or both extremities, these moldingshereby are rendered extra susceptible to damage. More particularly, amolding is susceptible to damage of the decorative side where the lattercontinues to the outermost edge of the extremities on edges of moldings.

Therefore, the present invention, according to its fifth independentaspect, provides a packaged set of moldings consisting of a package,wherein this package is at least composed of one or more moldings, whichpreferably comprise a pre-formed miter surface on at least oneextremity, and also consisting of a packaging, consisting of one or morepackaging parts, with the characteristic that the package comprises atleast one crumple zone. Said crumple zone has the advantage that itoffers improved protection against possible damage or deformation to thepackaged moldings.

According to a preferred embodiment, said crumple zone forms part of atleast one of said packaging parts and said crumple zone is constructedof a folded structure which defines one or more, whether or not open,hollow spaces. This preferred characteristic of the fifth aspect of thepresent invention allows providing a deformable structure in thepackaged set of moldings, which, with a possible impact as a consequenceof, for example, a fall, absorbs at least part of the impact energy bythe deformation or by the crumpling of the folded structure. Further,this has the advantage that it allows realizing said folded structurewith as little material as possible. This preferred characteristic ofthe present invention further allows forming a stop or support surfacefor the extremities of the moldings, such that the exterior of thepackaged set of moldings is situated at a certain distance from theextremities of the moldings.

Preferably, said folded structure comprises at least two walls withrespective surfaces which extend along the longitudinal direction of theset of moldings and that these walls comprise wall parts, which arefolded, over a folding line, out of the respective surfaces towards theinterior of the package and in this manner form an inner corner. Thispreferred characteristic of the fifth aspect of the present inventionallows realizing said folded structures with as little material aspossible. In particular, this characteristic further allows reducingsaid problem of the risk of damage to the moldings.

Preferably, said inwardly folded wall parts follow the shape of thepre-formed miter surface. This preferred characteristic of the fifthaspect of the present invention allows to better stabilize the packagedset of moldings in the package and also letting the damageablepre-formed miter surface of the moldings cooperate better with saidfolded structure. This preferred characteristic further also allowsrealizing said folded structure with as little material as possible.

Preferably, said at least one of said wall parts is secured to thepackage by means of one or more glue connections. This preferredcharacteristic of the fifth aspect of the present invention allowsfurther stabilizing or reinforcing the folded structure.

Preferably, said crumple zone forms part of a packaging part which isrealized as a cap which is provided over said extremity, with apre-formed miter surface. This preferred characteristic of the fifthaspect of the present invention provides for that the packaged set ofmoldings can be provided with a crumple zone by an easy to provide capover an extremity of one or more packaged moldings.

In the most preferred embodiment of the present invention according toits fifth aspect, the package comprises two crumple zones and eachcrumple zone forms part of a packaging part which is realized as a capwhich is provided over both extremities, with preferably a pre-formedmiter surface. In this most preferred embodiment, further said packagingpart is constructed of a folded structure which comprises four wallswith respective surfaces which extend along the longitudinal directionof the set of moldings and that three of these four walls comprise wallparts which are folded, over a folding line, out of the respectivesurfaces towards the interior of the package and in this manner form aninner corner. In this most preferred embodiment, further said inwardlyfolded wall parts follow the shape of the pre-formed miter surface andsaid wall parts are secured to the package by means of glue connections.

With the intention of better showing the characteristics of theinvention, hereafter, as an example without any limitative character,some preferred embodiments are described, with reference to theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 in perspective schematically represents a view of a packaged setof panels according to the first aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 2 in perspective and in top view represents a practical embodimentof a packaged set of panels, amongst others, according to the firstaspect of the present invention;

FIG. 3 in perspective represents the bottom view of the embodiment ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 4, at a larger scale, represents the cross-section according to theline IV-IV from FIG. 2;

FIG. 5, at a larger scale, represents the cross-section according to theline V-V from FIG. 2;

FIG. 6, at a larger scale, represents the cross-section according to theline VI-VI from FIG. 2;

FIGS. 7 and 8 represent, in folded-open condition, the packaging partswhich are indicated in figure by arrows F7 and F8, respectively;

FIG. 9 in perspective schematically represents a view of a packaged setof panels according to the second aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 10 represents a cross-section of a first possible embodiment of apackaged set according to the second aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 11 represents a cross-section of a second possible embodiment of apackaged set according to the second aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 12 in perspective schematically represents a view of a packaged setof moldings according to the fifth aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 13, at a larger scale, represents one extremity of the packaged setof moldings of FIG. 12.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a package or a packaged set of panels 1according to the first aspect of the present invention. This relates toa possible embodiment of a packaged set of panels 1, which in thisexample comprises four panels 2 with a rectangular shape. It is clearthat the package according to other embodiments may also compriseanother number of panels or possibly a single panel only. These panels 2are characterized by four panel edges 3-4-5-6, which form two pairs ofopposite panel edges 3-4 and 5-6. In the example of the representedrectangular panels, one can speak about a pair of short panel edges 3-4and a pair of long panel edges 5-6. Further, the panel edges 3-4-5-6 inthis example also comprise coupling parts 7-8-9-10. The representedpackage from FIG. 1 further is composed of a packaging 11, consisting ofa plurality of packaging parts, in this example four packaging parts12-13-14-15, wherein the package in this example comprises two crumplezones 16. These offer increased protection to the packaged panels 2. Inthis sketch, the packaging 11 is partially opened at the side for beingable to show the four panels 2. At the height of this opening in thepackaging 11, for clarification the panels 2 have also been cut through.

FIG. 2 in perspective shows a possible embodiment of the packaged set ofpanels 1 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, thisrelates to a packaged set of panels 1, more particularly two rectangularpanels 2, consisting of a package. The represented package from FIG. 2further is composed of a packaging 11, consisting of four packagingparts 12-13-14-15, and comprises two crumple zones 16. The packaging 11,as shown in this figure, is substantially composed of folded cardboard.Further, the represented packaging 11 is substantially realized asidentical packaging parts 12-13 and 14-15 on each two opposite paneledges 3-4 and 5-6, at least in respect to the shape or basic formthereof. Further, the represented packaging 11 provides support surfaces17 on the front side 18 of the packaged set of panels 1. The representedpossible embodiment further shows a substantially open front side 18 ofthe packaged set of panels 1.

FIG. 3 in perspective shows a bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 2.In this view the two crumple zones 16 are shown, wherein it is clearthat each crumple zone 16 is constructed of a folded structure 19, whichforms part of the respective packaging part 12-13. This folded structure19 comprises a first wall 20 and a second wall 21. Further, the foldedstructure 19 forms an outer corner 22 of the package. Said walls 20-21further comprise wall parts 23-24, which are folded, over a folding line25, out of the respective surfaces towards the interior of the packageand hereby form an inner corner 26. According to this preferredembodiment, said wall part 23 of the first wall 20 rests against one ofthe walls of the folded structure 19. According to the representedembodiment, said packaging parts 12-13 with crumple zone 16 are realizedas a U-shaped cap 27. The represented possible embodiment provides for asubstantially open rear side 28 of the packaged set of panels 1.Finally, the represented example in FIG. 3 shows the characteristic thatthe packaging 11, apart from said packaging parts 12-13-14-15, alsocomprises a film 29. Preferably, this relates to a shrink film, which inthis case is provided as the last substantial part of the packaging 11and keeps the package together as a whole. Moreover, said film 29 ispreferably transparent or substantially transparent, by which the panelspackaged in the package remain visible and identifiable. In this figure,the film 29 is partially opened for a better representation of theconstruction and the different characteristics of the packaged set ofpanels 1. The packaging 11 from FIGS. 2 and 3 also forms an example of apossible embodiment according to the third aspect of the presentinvention, as the represented example shows the characteristic that thepackaging 11 consists of four folded parts, in this case theaforementioned four packaging parts 12-13-14-15, which extend along allpanel edges 3-4-5-6. Further, the represented packaging 11 providessupport surfaces 30 on the rear side 28 of the packaged set of panels 1.

FIGS. 4 and 5 in cross-section represent the two crumple zones 16. Thecrumple zones 16 form part of the packaging parts 12-13. In FIG. 4 isrepresented how in this embodiment the crumple zones 16 extend along thepanel edges 3 and 4 of the two packaged panels 2. Further, it is alsorepresented that the panel edges 3-4 comprise coupling parts 7-8. Thesecoupling parts 7-8 substantially are realized as a male coupling part 7and a female coupling part 8. Further, the coupling parts 7-8 are of thetype allowing that two of such panels 2 at said panel edges 3-4 can atleast be connected to each other by pressing down one of these panelswith the pertaining male coupling part 7 in the female coupling part 8of the other panel by a downward movement of the male coupling part 7towards the female coupling part 8. This manner of connecting is knownbetter by the English denomination “Push-Lock”. In the representedexample, it is also possible to connect the panel edges 3-4 to eachother by a turning movement of the panels 2 along the respective paneledges 3-4 or via a substantially horizontal shifting movement of therespective panel edges 3-4 towards each other. Such connections areknown better by the respective English denominations “Angle” connectionsand “Snap” connections. In the represented example, said coupling parts7-8 of the panels 2 are provided with locking parts 31-32, which, incoupled condition of the panels 2, provide for a locking in verticaldirection, and with locking parts 33-34, which, in coupled condition ofthe panels 2, provide for a locking in horizontal direction H. Theselocking parts 31-32, 33-34 are indicated in FIG. 5.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, the crumple zones 16 form part ofthe packaging parts 12-13, and these packaging parts with crumple zoneare constructed of a folded structure 19. Herein, this folded structure19 forms a hollow space 35, which, at the height of the representedcross-section of FIG. 4, is open. The open hollow space 35 namely showsan opening towards the exterior of the package. Herein, a possiblyapplied film 29 has to be disregarded. As represented in FIG. 4, thefolded structure 19 comprises a first wall 20 with a first surface whichextends along the stacked upon each other panel edges 3 and along theopposite stacked upon each other panel edges 4. The folded structure 19in FIG. 4 further comprises a second wall 21 with a surface whichextends transverse to the first wall 20 and in this manner forms anouter corner 22 of the package. The two walls 20-21 comprise wall parts23-24, which are folded, over a folding line, out of the respectivesurfaces towards the interior of the package and in this manner form aninner corner 26. Herein, said wall part 23 of the first wall 20 restsagainst one of the walls of the folded structure 19. Said inwardlyfolded wall part 23 possibly can be secured to the package by means ofone or more glue connections 36.

In FIG. 5, the two crumple zones 16 can be seen in anothercross-section. In the cross-section concerned, the hollow space 35 isclosed towards the exterior of the package.

In FIG. 6 is represented how the packaging parts 14-15 of the packaging11 extend along the panel edges 5-6, more particularly along the longpanel edges of the packaged set of panels. The panel edges 5-6 alsocomprise coupling parts 9-10. According to this possible embodiment, nocrumple zone is provided along the represented long panel edges 5-6.

According to the represented embodiment in FIG. 2, a crumple zone 16 isprovided along one pair of opposite panel edges 3-4. As can be seen inthe cross-section of FIG. 6, the packaging parts 14-15 are constructedof folded packaging material.

The example represented in the FIGS. 2 to 6 is also an example of thesecond aspect of the present invention, wherein a protection zone 37 isrealized as a crumple zone 16.

FIGS. 7 and 8 respectively show how the packaging parts 12 and 14, andthus also 13 and 15, can be realized from flat packaging material, moreparticularly cardboard, for example, by a punch operation, after whichthey exclusively have to be folded into the final shape and possibly canbe secured by means of glue connections. FIG. 8 schematically also showshow a plurality of packaging parts 14 and/or 15 can be realized from theflat packaging material with a minimum loss of material. Asschematically also represented in FIGS. 7 and 8, preferably a number ofpre-formed folding lines 25 will be formed in the packaging parts forfacilitating the folding process. In practice, such folding lines 25 canbe of any kind and can be formed, for example, by impressions as well asby partial incisions.

FIG. 9 schematically shows a packaged set of panels 1 according to thesecond aspect of the present invention. This relates to a possibleembodiment of a packaged set of panels 1, which in this examplecomprises four panels 2 of rectangular shape. It is clear that accordingto another embodiment the package may also comprise another number ofpanels or possibly a single panel only. In this sketch, the packaging 11has been partially opened at the side for being able to show the fourpanels, and is partially opened at one of the two protection zones 37for being able to show the construction thereof. The panels 2 arecharacterized by four panel edges 3-4-5-6, which, in the example of FIG.9, form two pairs of opposite panel edges 3-4 and 5-6. In the example ofrectangular panels, one can speak about a pair of long panel edges 5-6and a pair of short panel edges 3-4. The represented package of FIG. 9further is composed of a packaging 11, consisting of a plurality ofpackaging parts 12-13-14-15 with, in the example shown, thecharacteristic that the package comprises two protection zones 37. Inthis example, the protection zone 37 is constructed of two deformablepackaging elements 38 as well as a buffer space 39. According to apossible preferred embodiment, these deformable packaging elements 38are elastically deformable.

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-section of a possible embodiment of thepackaged set of panels with the characteristics of the second aspect ofthe present invention. In the example of FIG. 10, the package comprisestwo panels 2. Further, the short panel edges 3-4 in this example alsocomprise coupling parts 7-8. These coupling parts 7-8 substantially arerealized as a male coupling part 7 and a female coupling part 8. Thecoupling parts 7-8 of the panels 2 preferably are provided with lockingparts. In coupled condition of the panels 2, the locking parts31-32-33-34, as in the example of FIG. 10, provide for a locking invertical direction V and in horizontal direction H, and wherein saidcoupling parts 7-8 are of the type allowing that two of such panels 2can at least be connected to each other at said panel edges 3-4 bypressing down one of these panels with the pertaining male coupling part7 in the female coupling part 8 of the other panel by means of adownward movement of the male coupling part 7 towards the femalecoupling part 8. This manner of connection is known better by theEnglish denomination “Push-Lock”. In the example shown, it is alsopossible to connect the panel edges 3-4 to each other by a turningmovement of the panels along the respective panel edges 3-4 or by meansof a substantially horizontal shifting movement of the respective paneledges 3-4 towards each other. Such connections are known better by therespective English denominations of “Angle” connections and “Snap”connections. Further, the possible embodiment of FIG. 10 ischaracterized by a decorative side 40 of the panel 2, which on one paneledge 3 extends up to the outermost edge part 41 of the panel.Alternatively, the decorative side 40 of the panel can extend up to asmall distance from the outermost edge part 41 of the panel, as shown inFIG. 11. The represented embodiment in FIG. 10 comprises two protectionzones 37 along the panel edges 3-4 of the panels 2, which areconstructed of deformable packaging elements 38. On the left-hand sideof the represented cross-section, said protection zone 37 is situatedwhere said decorative side 40 of the panel 2 extends up to saidoutermost edge part 41 of the panel. Possibly, this protection zone 37,apart from said deformable packaging elements 38, also comprises bufferspaces 39, as shown in FIG. 9. However, these buffer spaces 39 are notstrictly necessary. According to a preferred embodiment, said deformablepackaging elements 38 can be realized with elastically deformablematerial. In FIG. 10, a possible embodiment of the present invention canbe seen with panels with Push-Lock coupling parts. In this example, thecoupling part 8 comprises a separate synthetic material strip 42 whichprovides for a locking in vertical direction V of the panels. In therepresented example, said separate synthetic material strip 42 isprovided in the female coupling part 8 which is located on theright-hand side of the cross-section. The male coupling part 7, whichcan be seen on the left side of the cross-section, can be brought intothe female coupling part 8 by means of a downward movement.

In the example of FIG. 11, the package comprises two panels 2, whichcomprise coupling parts 7-8 and wherein the decorative side 40 of thepanel on one panel edge 3 extends up to a small distance D from theoutermost panel edge 41 of the panel 2. This small distance D typicallyis smaller than 1 millimeter for the type of Push-Lock coupling partswherein the outermost edge part 41 does not protrude much in respect tothe decorative side 40. The decorative side 40 of panels with said typeof Push-Lock coupling parts is also susceptible to damage. Therepresented embodiment of the packaged set of panels in FIG. 11comprises two protection zones 37 along the panel edges 3-4 of thepanels 2, which zones are constructed of deformable packaging elements38. On the left-hand side of the represented cross-section, saidprotection zone 37 is situated at the height of said decorative side 40of the panel 2, which extends up to a small distance D from saidoutermost edge part 41 of the panels 2.

FIG. 12 in perspective shows a sketch of a possible embodiment of thepackaged set of moldings 43 according to the fifth aspect of the presentinvention. In this embodiment, this relates to a packaged set ofmoldings 43, more particularly with in this example one molding 44,consisting of a package. The represented package from FIG. 12 iscomposed of a packaging 11 consisting of a plurality of packaging parts12-13, with the characteristic that the package comprises two crumplezones 16. According to a preferred embodiment, as shown in this figure,the packaging 11 is substantially composed of folded cardboard. Therepresented crumple zones 16 are constructed of a folded structure 19which defines a plurality of hollow spaces 35. The represented packaging11 further is substantially applied on each two opposite edges orextremities 45-46, as two identical packaging parts 12-13, which in therepresented example are provided as a cap 27 over the extremities 45-46of the molding 44.

In FIG. 13, at a larger scale one extremity 45 is represented of thepackaged set of moldings 43 of FIG. 12, wherein one packaging part 12was displaced, such that the construction of the package and thecharacteristics of the packaged set of moldings 43 can be shown better.Further, the possible embodiment of FIG. 13 shows the characteristicthat the folded structure 19 comprises two walls 47-48 with respectivesurfaces which, in the represented example, extend along thelongitudinal direction of the molding 44, and that said walls 47-48comprise wall parts 49-50, which are folded, over a folding line 25, outof the respective surfaces towards the interior of the package and inthis manner form an inner corner 26. The represented example also showsthe characteristic that the wall part 50 follows a pre-formed mitersurface 51 on the extremity 45 of the molding 44. It is clear thatpackaging parts with such walls 47-48 and wall parts 49-50 can also beapplied within the scope of the remaining aspects of the presentinvention, more particularly with the first and/or the second aspect.

The present invention is in no way limited to the herein above-describedembodiments; on the contrary, such packaged sets of panels can berealized according to various variants, without leaving the scope of thepresent invention. So, for example, instead of cardboard as a materialfor the packaging parts, also other materials can be applied, such assynthetic material, styrofoam or even cast or injected thermoplasticmaterials. Instead of packaging with packaging parts comprising foldedparts, in the case of some other types of packaging materials thispackaging may comprise packaging parts in which the circumferencecomprises a bent edge.

1. Packaged set of panels, such as furniture, floor, ceiling and/or wallpanels, consisting of a package, wherein this package is at leastcomposed of, on the one hand, one or more panels, which, at least on onepair of opposite panel edges, comprise coupling parts, or tiles of astone-like material, whether or not comprising coupling parts, and, onthe other hand, a packaging, consisting of one or more packaging parts,wherein the package comprises at least one crumple zone.
 2. The packagedset of panels of claim 1, wherein the crumple zone is provided at leastalong one of the panel edges of said one or more panels.
 3. The packagedset of panels of claim 1 or 2, wherein the crumple zone forms part of atleast one of said packaging parts.
 4. The packaged set of panels ofclaim 1 or 2, wherein said crumple zone substantially is constructed ofa folded structure.
 5. The packaged set of panels of claim 4, whereinsaid folded structure defines one or more, whether or not open, hollowspaces.
 6. The packaged set of panels of claim 4, wherein said foldedstructure comprises at least a first wall with a first surface extendingalong one of the edges of the set of panels, and wherein this wallcomprises at least a wall part which is folded, over a folding line, outof said surface towards the interior of the package.
 7. The packaged setof panels of claim 6, wherein said folded structure comprises at least asecond wall with a second surface which extends transverse to the firstwall and in this manner forms an outer corner of the package, whereinboth walls comprise wall parts which are folded, over a folding line,out of the respective surfaces towards the interior of the package andin this manner form an inner corner.
 8. The packaged set of panels ofclaim 6, wherein said wall part of the first wall rests against one ofthe walls of the folded structure.
 9. (canceled)
 10. The packaged set ofpanels of claim 1 or 2, wherein said crumple zone forms part of apackaging part which is realized as a cap provided over an edge of theset of panels.
 11. Packaged set of panels, such as furniture, floor,ceiling and/or wall panels, consisting of a package, wherein thispackage is at least composed of one or more panels, which, at least onone pair of opposite panel edges, comprise coupling parts and wherein adecorative side of the panel on at least one panel edge extends up tothe outermost edge part of the panel or alternatively up to a distanceof less than 1 millimeter thereof; as well as of a packaging, consistingof one or more packaging parts, wherein the package comprises at leastone protection zone and this protection zone is situated at least alongthe last-mentioned respective panel edge of the set of panels.
 12. Thepackaged set of panels of claim 11, wherein the protection zone isconstructed of one or more deformable packaging elements and possiblyone or more buffer spaces.
 13. The packaged set of panels of claim 12,wherein said deformable packaging elements are elastically deformable.14. Packaged set of panels, such as furniture, floor, ceiling and/orwall panels, consisting of a package, wherein this package is at leastcomposed of one or more panels, which, at least on one pair of oppositepanel edges, comprise coupling parts; as well as of a packaging, whereinthe packaging consists of at least two separate packaging parts in theform of folded parts, which substantially extend along all edges of theset of panels.
 15. The packaged set of panels of claim 14, wherein thepackaging is composed of at least four separate folded parts.
 16. Thepackaged set of panels of claim 14 or 15, wherein said different foldedparts of the packaging provide for a substantially open front side andrear side of the packaged set of panels.
 17. The packaged set of panelsof claim 14 or 15, wherein the packaging, in the plane perpendicular tothe stacking direction of the packaged set of panels, on the front andrear sides of each packaged set of panels provides support surfaces oneach edge of the set of panels and wherein these support surfaces, onthe front side as well as on the rear side, respectively define the sameor approximately the same plane.
 18. The packaged set of panels of claim14 or 15, wherein for the packaging substantially on each two oppositeedges of the set of panels respectively two similar or preferablyidentical packaging parts are applied.
 19. The packaged set of panels ofclaim 1 or 14, wherein the packaging substantially consists of foldedcardboard.
 20. (canceled)
 21. Packaged set of panels, such as floor,ceiling and/or wall panels, consisting of a package, wherein thispackage is at least composed of two or more panels, which, at least onone pair of opposite panel edges, comprise coupling parts; as well as ofa packaging, wherein the sum of the usable surface area of all panelspresent in the package is one square meter, with a margin of less than 5percent, and preferably less than 2 percent and best less than 1percent, wherein this preferably relates to a positive margin.
 22. Thepackaged set of panels of claim 21, wherein instead of the sum of theusable surface areas being one square meter, it is 10 square feet (or0.92 square meters).
 23. Packaged set of moldings consisting of apackage, wherein this package is at least composed of one or moremoldings, which preferably comprise a pre-formed miter surface on atleast one extremity, and also consisting of a packaging, consisting ofone or more packaging parts, wherein the package comprises at least onecrumple zone.
 24. The packaged set of moldings of claim 23, wherein saidcrumple zone forms part of at least one of said packaging parts andsubstantially is constructed of a folded structure which defines one ormore, whether or not open, hollow spaces.
 25. The packaged set ofmoldings of claim 23 or 24, wherein said folded structure comprises atleast two walls with respective surfaces which extend along thelongitudinal direction of the set of moldings and wherein these wallscomprise wall parts, which are folded, over a folding line, out of therespective surfaces towards the interior of the package and in thismanner form an inner corner.
 26. The packaged set of moldings of claim23 or 24, wherein at least one of said wall parts follows the shape ofthe pre-formed miter surface.
 27. (canceled)
 28. The packaged set ofmoldings of claim 23 or 24, wherein said crumple zone forms part of apackaging part which is realized as a cap which is provided over saidextremity preferably comprising a pre-formed miter surface.